1、UNIT 1Its Nice to Know You!Introductions and Conversation StartersIntroductionIn many situations, American people introduce themselves using their first names, and prefer that others call them by their first names. But British people and older people in either country, may be more formal, preferring

2、 to be introduced and called by their title and last name.Often when there is a difference in status or age between two individuals, formal titles and last names are used unless the person of lower status is told to use the first name. For example:M: Hello, my name is Bob Thomas.W: Its nice to meet

3、you, Mr. Thomas.M: Please, just call me Bob.In informal introductions there is a tendency to reduce status difference by using first names. In more formal situations, the title along with the last name is appropriate. For example, when a student introduces herself to a university professor, she migh

4、t say: “Hello, Dr. McCarrick. My name is Susan Hall. I would like to ask you about your course.Answers to the Questions:Formal titles and last names are used. For example, Mr., Ms., Dr. and so on.The use of first names. For example, Bob, Tom and so on.Discussion Questions:How do Chinese people make

5、formal introductions and address people of higher status?When speaking Chinese, how do you make informal introductions?When meeting and speaking with someone of the same status, would you use formal terms? In Chinese? In English?Background Information:Use of Titles in Introductions Usually, a title

6、cannot be combined with a given name. So forms such as Mr. Michael, or Miss Helen are normally unacceptable. The use of the honorary title Sir with a mans given name is an exception.e.g. Frederick CatherwoodSir FrederickElizabeth CatherwoodLady Catherwood.In fact, there is an increasing tendency amo

7、ng Western young people to use their given name in all but the most formal situations.In Britain, teachers are normally addressed as follows:Primary school: Sir/Miss or Title + surnameSecondary school: Title + Surname or Sir/Miss.University or College: Title + Surname or given name.Rules to Go By in

8、 Interpersonal CommunicationsGenerally, one may be introduced by others or make self-introduction at the first meet. No matter being introduced or making self-introduction, the way should be natural and not precipitate. When introducing a person, you should gesture politely by hand. Pointing with fi

9、ngers is not acceptable. There are sequences in introduction. You should introduce the young or people in low rank to the old or people in high rank; men should be introduced to women. When doing introduction all people should stand up except women and the elder. However this might be neglected at t

10、able. The introduced could just give some indication like smile or nod.Handshaking is etiquette when meeting or parting in most countries. On social occasions, handshake is not unusual. Generally, handshake happens at meeting and introducing. Usually make a hold without effort. However the young or

11、people in low rank should go forward to show respect to the old or people in high rank. Men only hold the finger part of women. There are sequences in handshake too. Hosts, the old, people in high rank and women should offer their hands first. Guests, the young and people in low rank greet first the

12、n wait for hands of their counterparts then hold them. Do not intercross while many people handshake at the same time. Wait till others finish their handshake. Men should take off their gloves and hats before handshake (according to western custom, people in high rank or women might handshake with g

13、loves). When attending large-scale activity, for there are too many people, you could handshake with the hosts and greet others with nodding, instead of handshaking. Soldiers with hat should raise their hands then handshake. You should look at your partner not others with smile. Some people from Bud

14、dhist countries in South and East Asia do not handshake, instead they close their hands to greet others. However we do not do this except we are treated this way.When meeting acquaintances from distance in public places, generally you may raise your right hand to greet and nod. Hand-kissing and goin

15、g down to ones knees are the ancient European etiquette, not often used at present but still possible.Eye Contact and Handshaking in IntroductionsDirect eye contact and firm hand shakes during introductions are customary in the United States. In introductions as well as in general conversations, spe

16、akers maintain frequent eye contact. Most people become nervous if frequent eye contact turns into direct staring. When shaking hands, people shake firmly and briefly. The expression, “He shakes hands like a dead fish refers to a limp handshake, a sign in the American culture of a weak character. Pr

17、olonged handshaking is not usual.Problems can arise when these customs are unfamiliar to foreign visitors. One foreign student remarked, “Im beginning to think that there is something wrong with me. When I shake hands with them, they always pull their hands away quickly. Is his impression correct or

18、 is he misinterpreting a cultural ritual? American visitors sometimes pull their hands away too quickly in countries where prolonged handshaking is common.“Small Talk After IntroductionsImmediately after introductions are made, there is usually a period of time in which impersonal or trivial subject

19、s are discussed. This type of conversation, called “small talk, is important because it often helps to maintain conversations and it can lead into interesting discussions. Usually speakers initiate small talk with such questions as “Do you live in this area? “How do you like living here? or “What ar

20、e you studying? It is also common for people to ask, “What do you do? which means “What is your job? but it is uncommon and considered impolite to ask “How much money do you make? or “How much does your home (or some other possessions) cost? Other questions such as “Are you married? or “How old are

21、you? (to an adult) are considered too personal for initial meetings.In an introductory meeting, maintaining a conversation is easier when the two people find that they have something in common. They can talk about weather, jobs, holidays and outings, films, television programs and other forms of ent

22、ertainments, local or national events, but not about age, money and marriage.Part One Listening InDavid: Excuse me,. uh. I could use some help with this washing machine.Annie: Sure. What seems to be the trouble?David: I just dont know how to use it. You see, this is my first time at the laundromat,

23、andAnnie: I see. Well, how do you usually wash your clothes?David: I live alone, so I usually send them out to a laundry, but I wanted to save money, so I came here.Annie: Yeah, I know what you mean. I need to save money, too, because I just lost my job.David: Oh, really? What kind of work do you do

24、?Annie: Im a waitress.David: Is that right? Well, I work at a restaurant, too, and I think they may have openings. I should introduce myselfmy names David Spencer.Annie: Well glad to meet you. Im Annie Kennedy.David: Nice meeting you, too. Where are you from?Annie: Paris, France. And you?David: Im f

25、rom Mexico. How long have you been here?Annie: About a year. My father and mother live in Paris. I really miss them.David: Uh-huh. What do they do?Annie: My fathers a businessman, and my mothers a nurse.David: Oh, really? Well, my mother works in a hospital, too. Shes a doctor.Annie: Really? Where d

26、oes she live?David: In Mexico City. My father isnt living, and. of course we really miss him.Annie: Oh, thats too bad.David: Do you have any brothers and sisters?Annie: Yeah. I have a brother, Peter. He lives in Los Angeles, California. Peter has a restaurant. I think hes a great cook. I call him ev

27、ery week.David: Oh? Well, I have a sister but I dont see her much. I talk to her on the phone sometimes. She lives with her husband and their two children in New York. Answers to the Questions:David: Excuse me, .un. I could use some help with this washing machine.Annie: Sure.David: . I should introd

28、uce myselfmy names David Spencer.Annie: Well, glad to meet you. Im Annie Kennedy.David: Nice meeting you, too. Shes a waitress.David works in a restaurant, too.Part Two Better ListeningSection AW: Jeez, its raining again!M: Oh, shoot! I should have brought my umbrella with me. (He sneezes.)W: Bless

29、you.M: Thanks. By the way, Im Mike.W: Hi, Mike. M: Hi. Ive never seen you around. Are you a fresh person?W: Nope, Im a sophomore. Im Mary Brown.M: Mary, and whats your last name again?W: Mary Brown.M: Yeah, Ive heard of you. Youre from Chicago, right?Answers to the Questions:Jeez, its raining again!

30、 Mike and Mary.Shes a student, and shes from Chicago.Conversation TwoM: Interesting meeting, isnt it?W: Yes, very. I thought the last speaker was especially good.M: Let me introduce myself, by the way, my names Thomas Bradley.W: How do you do? Im Katherine Nugent.M: Sorry, what was your last name ag

31、ain?W: Its Nugent, N-U-G-E-N-T, but just call me Kate.M: OK, Im Tom.W: Glad to meet you, Tom.M: And what do you do, Kate?W: Me? I work for American Airlines.M: As a stewardess?W: Yes, thats right. And how about you?M: I work in the car business.W: Oh, really? What do you do exactly?M: Im a salesman.

32、Answers to the Questions:Thomas Bradley and Katherine Nugent.Tom is a salesman and Kate is a stewardess.Section BConversation OneM: Excuse me, could you tell me the time?W: Er. yes. er, its five to eight. The opera will start in five minutes.M: Thank you. Er. excuse me, I wonder if we havent met som

33、ewhere before?W: Wait, y-e-s, I remember now. Last year, we travelled to France together. er. Mr.er.M: Robert Berkens. I work for Bensons Company.W: Yes, Mr. Berkens. Well, this is a pleasant surprise. How are you?M: Very well, thank you. How are you?Conversation TwoBetty: Great party, isnt it?Jim:

34、Sure is. Jane and Ted always have great parties.Betty: This is my first. I only met Jane last week. She and I teach at the same schoolJim: Oh, so youre a teacher?Betty: Yeah, history. What about you?Jim: I work for GM.Betty: General Motors?Jim: Right.Betty: What do you do there?Jim: Im an accountant

35、.Betty: Oh, I see. By the way, my names Betty Evans.Jim: Glad to meet you. Im Jim Taylor.Part Three Speaking Out Functional ExpressionsSelf-introduction:First, let me introduce myself. Im David Emory, director of the English Department.Allow me to introduce myself. Im Jenny Heywood, an engineer from

36、 Cambex.May I introduce myself? Im Donald Ervin.Excuse me, I dont believe weve met. Im. Excuse me, my names. How do you do? Im. Responding to someones self-introduction:Happy to know you. Pleased to meet you! Introducing somebody to anotherMr. (Ms. Miss) Smith, may I introduce Mr. Thorn? He is my En

37、glish teacher.Mr. (Ms. Miss) Smith, Id like you to meet Denise. Shes at school with me.Hi, John. I dont think youve met Tom, have you? Tom, this is John.Responding to this kind of introduction:(Im) (very) glad to know you, Mr. Johnson.Hello, Denise. Pleased to meet you.It was nice meeting you.Its ni

38、ce to meet you.Hello, John. Actually, weve already met.Im glad to have met you.Hello, Mr. Johnson (with a nod)?How dye do? Starting a conversation(Weather)Hows the weather today? Do you like the weather in this part of the country?I wonder what the weather is going to be like tomorrow.Its raining ve

39、ry hard. Does it rain very much in this area?It seems fairly mild for this time of year.Its cold and damp today.Nice and bright this morning.Its freezing today.It seems to be clearing up.What a downpour! The wind is going down. Hot/cold enough for you?Nice day, isnt it? Horrible weather were having.

40、(Asking for help)Excuse me, have you got a light?Uh, could you help me, Im looking for. Excuse me, is anybody sitting here? (Connection of some sort)Say, havent I seen you with Betty? Say, dont I know you from somewhere?(Interruption) Sorry, I couldnt help overhearing-did you mention something about

41、 .?Ending a conversation and parting:Well, its been nice talking to you, but I really have to go now.Well, Ive really enjoyed talking to you, but Id better get going.I hope we can see each other sometime.I hope well meet again sometime.See you later.Section AConversation OneSuggested responses:Sue:

42、Hi, Jane. How are you doing?Jane: Good. Hey, Sue, have you met Mike before?Sue: No, Im afraid not.Jane: All right. This is Sue. (To Sue) Mike. Were roommates.Mike: Hi, Sue.Sue: Hi, Mike.Conversation TwoSuggested responses:Betty: Excuse me, anyone sitting here?Tammy: Um, no. Woops! Sorry, Ill just mo

43、ve my book.Betty: Its all right, thanks.Tammy: There we are!Betty: Thank you. er. Im Betty. I study in the Foreign Languages Department.Tammy: Tammy. Im a new student.Part Four Comprehensive PracticeSection AMan: Hi. Uh, havent we met before? You look so familiar. Woman: Yeah. We met on campus last

44、week, and you asked me the same question. Man: Oh, really? Im sorry, but Im terrible with names. But, but, but Let me guess. Its Sherry, right? Woman: No, but you got the first letter right. Man: I know, I know. Its HYPERLINK :/ esl-lab /small/smallsc1.htm l key#key on the tip of my tongue. Wait. Uh

45、, Sandy, Susan. Woman: Nope. So, was I that HYPERLINK :/ esl-lab /small/smallsc1.htm l key#key memorable? Man: Wait, wait. Its Sharon. Woman: You got itand only on the fourth try. Man: So, well, Sh, I mean Sharon. How are you? Woman: Not bad. And what was your name? Man: Its Ben, but everyone calls

46、me B.J. And, uh, what do you do, Sh Sharon? Woman: Im a graduate student HYPERLINK :/ esl-lab /small/smallsc1.htm l key#key majoring in TESL. Man: Uh, TESL Whats that? Woman: It stands for teaching English as a second language. I want to teach English to non-native speakers HYPERLINK :/ esl-lab /sma

47、ll/smallsc1.htm l key#key overseas. Man: Oh, yeah. Im pretty good at English grammar. You know, verbs and adjectives, and uh Hey, that sounds really exciting. And do you need some type of specific degree or experience to do that? I mean could I do something like that? Woman: Well, most employers ove

48、rseas are looking for someone who has at least a Bachelors degree and one or two years of experience. And what do you do? Are you a student on campus? Man: Yeah, but, uh. I guess Im HYPERLINK :/ esl-lab /small/smallsc1.htm l key#key mulling over the idea of going into accounting or international bus

49、iness, but I guess Im now leaning towards a degree in marketing. Woman: Oh, uh Well, I have to run. I have a class in ten minutes. Man: Oh, okay. And, uh, by the way, theres a dance on campus at the student center tonight, and I was wondering if youd you know like to come along. Woman: Oh really? We

50、ll, perhaps Man: Okay, well, bye. Answers to the Questions:1. familiar2. terrible3. memorable4. majoring5. overseas6. degree7. accounting8. leaning9. class10. wonderingSection BI was born in Canada. I grew up, went to school, and found work there. But now I have a job as an English teacher in anothe

51、r country. I dont know the language of the country very well, but I am excited about my new opportunity. My new life began todayat a big airport thousands of miles from my hometown. No one met me. I tried to call my new school, but I couldnt get the public telephone to work. A man spoke to me, but I

52、 didnt understand much. Then he got me a taxi. During the ride to my hotel, I felt like a child. I couldnt read the signs or talk to the driver. How should I pay for the taxi? How can I get information and help?Im going to take classes to learn the language of my new country. But how will I get alon

53、g with the people? Even in my own culture, communication was not always easy, I had a few misunderstandings with strangers, acquaintances, and friends. How will I learn the “rules of everyday life here? Everything seems so differenteven strange.Questions:Where was the man from?Was he happy to have a

54、 new experience in a new country?What was the biggest problem that the person met the first day in his new life?What worries him most right now?Answers to the Questions: 1. B 2. A 3. C 4. AUNIT 2Whats She Like?Describing the Appearance and Character of PeopleIntroductionIn your everyday life, you us

55、ually have to answer questions such as “Whats so-and-so like? This question doesnt mean that you have to exactly describe the appearance of this person. The best way to answer this kind of question is to point out what kind of person he or she is and then maybe the characteristics of his or her appe

56、arance. To ask about a persons appearance specifically, the question “What does so-and-so look like? is usually used. Consider the following clues in describing people.Physical description: general personal impression, age, height, face, clothes and so on.Other characteristics: personality, job, int

57、erests or hobbies, their life history, achievements, family and so on.Make sure you realize that the description of a person or place should be tactful. It is extremely rude to say to someone something like this: “You are a narrow-minded overweight middle-aged person!Answers to the Questions:1. “Wha

58、ts so-and-so like? emphasizes the kind of person he or she is.“What does he look like? emphasizes the appearance of a person.2. General personal impression, age, height, hair, clothes and so on. Background Information:Note that most British and American people use feet and inches to describe height,

59、 and that the British often use stones to describe weight, while the Americans use pounds. For example:6 foot = 1.83 metres (1 foot = 12 inches)5 foot 6 = 1.68 metres (1 metre = 3 foot 3 inches)10 stone = 140 pounds = 63 kilos (14 pounds = 1 stone)12 stone = 168 pounds = 76 kilos (1 kilo = 2.2 pound

60、s)15 stone = 210 pounds = 95 kilosPart One Listening InKen: Hello?Mary: Hi, Ken. Its Mary, Mary Graham.Ken: Oh hi, Mary. How are you?Mary: Im fine. How are you?Ken: Fine.Mary: Listen, um. I want to ask you some questions about Jim Wilsonyou know him, dont you? Ken: Sure.Mary: Whats he like?Ken: Well